CHICAGO - The UIC softball team wrapped up its weekend set with a doubleheader split versus Butler Saturday, falling 9-0 in game one, but tallying an 8-4 victory in the nightcap, at Butler Field. The Flames' offense exploded for 12 hits in game two.

With the split, UIC moved to 16-19 on the season, and evened its Horizon League record at 3-3. Butler moved to 13-22 (5-4 HL), and won the series, after capturing the opener on Friday, 4-3.

"It was good to win the final game of the series," said head coach Michelle Venturella. "Our offense really picked it up in game two. Melinda (Macias) had a great series, which was great to see. After struggling in game one, it was great to jump on their pitcher to score three in the first and then five in the fourth. We need to use this as momentum heading into our series against Loyola."

GAME ONE RECAP
The Flames were run-ruled in game one, seeing Butler plate three runs in the first inning, one in the third and five in the fourth stanza. UIC managed just three hits, with Melinda Macias, Natalie Hernandez and Melissa Preish each manufacturing base hits.

Butler hurler Jenny Esparza pitched five shutout innings, striking out five and walking a pair of UIC batters. The Bulldogs' Kristen Boros, Erin Falkenberry and Mallory Winters each posted two hits, with Falkenberry and Winters each tallying a pair of RBI's.

In the circle, UIC's Ashley Hewett started the game, allowing three earned runs on four hits through three innings of work. Devin Miller came in relief, and gave up the five earned runs in the bottom of the fourth.

GAME TWO RECAP
UIC's offense got off to a quick start in the nightcap, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. After Butler fought back with two runs in the bottom of the third, UIC added five insurance runs in the top of the fourth inning to put the game out of reach.

Macias, Jacki Fletcher and Kara Komp each had two hits, with Fletcher collecting a game-high three RBI's. Miller and Hewett again split the pitching duties, with Miller earning the start - she allowed two earned runs on four hits in 3.1 innings of work. Hewett pitched 3.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on just one hit - she was credited with the win.

The Flames will take on crosstown rival Loyola in a three-game set beginning with Wednesday's single game against the Ramblers (3:00 p.m. CST) from the Loyola Softball Complex. The two teams will complete the series with a doubleheader next Thursday.